Stephen Redden – New Denver Churchhttps://newdenver.org
Sun, 17 Mar 2019 17:11:39 +0000 en-US
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1 47872976Lent 2019, Week 1https://newdenver.org/2019/03/10/lent-2019-week-1/
https://newdenver.org/2019/03/10/lent-2019-week-1/#respondSun, 10 Mar 2019 14:00:06 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=9402Lent is a 40-day period of time that leads up to the celebration of Easter. If you’re new to church or Christianity, Lent can sound a bit strange. But followers of Jesus have found incredible meaning in this season for over 1500 years. We think it is one of the best opportunities to explore your […]

]]>Lent is a 40-day period of time that leads up to the celebration of Easter. If you’re new to church or Christianity, Lent can sound a bit strange. But followers of Jesus have found incredible meaning in this season for over 1500 years. We think it is one of the best opportunities to explore your spiritual journey and pursue wholeness and healing in life. This year we’re journeying together through the book of Luke, looking at interactions Jesus had with others throughout his life. This week we look at a story that gives us insight into Jesus’ mission and understanding of God.

]]>https://newdenver.org/2019/03/10/lent-2019-week-1/feed/09402Lent 2019, Introductionhttps://newdenver.org/2019/03/03/lent-2019-introduction/
https://newdenver.org/2019/03/03/lent-2019-introduction/#respondSun, 03 Mar 2019 14:00:56 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=9386Lent is a 40-day period of time that leads up to the celebration of Easter. If you’re new to church or Christianity, Lent can sound a bit strange. But followers of Jesus have found incredible meaning in this season for over 1500 years. We think it is one of the best opportunities to explore your […]

]]>Lent is a 40-day period of time that leads up to the celebration of Easter. If you’re new to church or Christianity, Lent can sound a bit strange. But followers of Jesus have found incredible meaning in this season for over 1500 years. We think it is one of the best opportunities to explore your spiritual journey and pursue wholeness and healing in life. This year we’re journeying together through the book of Luke, looking at interactions Jesus had with others throughout his life. This week we start with a weird story from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to discover its implications for Lent and our everyday lives.

Key Passage: Luke 4:1-13

Secondary Passages: Hebrews 4:14-16, 12:1-3

Discussion Questions

What are events or activities that create rhythm in your life (e.g. school, holidays, sports schedules, busy work seasons, etc)?

What is your personal experience with the season of Lent? Have you observed Lent before, and if so, what was your experience, – good, bad or indifferent?

As you consider the story of Jesus’ temptation, how do you identify with the experience of temptation personally? What does it look like when you feel tempted?

Of the 3 core human temptations Jesus faced – provision, power and protection – which poses the greatest current temptation to rely on yourself currently? Describe how you experience that temptation and how you respond to it.

What are the most consistent sources of noise or distraction that hinder you from connecting to the rhythm of God in your life currently?

Moving Forward

Think about the upcoming season of Lent, and maybe consult the NDC Lent calendar. What are some things you want to consider giving up or taking up for Lent this year?

Who are some people you can share your commitment with for encouragement and accountability?

]]>https://newdenver.org/2019/03/03/lent-2019-introduction/feed/09386FAQ The Series, Part 1 – Questionshttps://newdenver.org/2019/01/06/faq-the-series-part-1-questions/
https://newdenver.org/2019/01/06/faq-the-series-part-1-questions/#respondSun, 06 Jan 2019 14:00:47 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8705We all have tough questions. Especially when we watch the news, read the Bible, or try to believe in a good God. In this series, we’ll explore the hardest questions that challenge our journeys of faith. This week we explore how our faith and questions are linked. This video was referenced in the message:

]]>We all have tough questions. Especially when we watch the news, read the Bible, or try to believe in a good God. In this series, we’ll explore the hardest questions that challenge our journeys of faith. This week we explore how our faith and questions are linked.

]]>https://newdenver.org/2019/01/06/faq-the-series-part-1-questions/feed/08705Gift & Worth, Part 12https://newdenver.org/2018/11/18/gift-worth-part-12/
https://newdenver.org/2018/11/18/gift-worth-part-12/#respondSun, 18 Nov 2018 14:00:14 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8660The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. As Paul closes the letter, we discover Paul has a final message of correction to the Galatians and us. Discussion Questions for Gift & Worth (Galatians) Part 12 | November 18, 2018 | Click here for printable […]

]]>The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. As Paul closes the letter, we discover Paul has a final message of correction to the Galatians and us.

Key Bible Passage: Galatians 6:11-18

Discussion

Reflect back on your life and consider times when you felt pressured to conform to peer or social pressures. Share one or two of your strongest memories.

As you think back on your life and experiences, are there ways that you have applied that pressure to others? Share ways you may have put pressure on others to conform in the past and what motivated you to do so.

As you think about the “long invisible bag” you’re pulling behind you, what are some things that are in your bag? What are things that you’ve changed about yourself or sacrificed over the years to help you survive or succeed?

As you think about opening the bag and addressing some of the things inside, what thoughts or feelings come to mind for you?

What next steps do you feel God drawing you toward as you consider what it means to pursue his “new creation” in your life? Are there temptations or desires that you need to submit to God to be “crucified” to you?

Moving Forward

What are ways that I need to resist giving in to the pressure to conform and stuff more things into my bag, and what are my next steps to see “new creation” begin or continue in my life?

]]>https://newdenver.org/2018/11/18/gift-worth-part-12/feed/08660Gift & Worth, Part 11https://newdenver.org/2018/11/11/gift-worth-part-11/
https://newdenver.org/2018/11/11/gift-worth-part-11/#respondSun, 11 Nov 2018 14:00:17 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8654The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. This week we find that Paul was not only concerned with personal responsibility, but also responsibility to others. Discussion Questions for Gift & Worth (Galatians) Part 11 | November 11, 2018 | Click here for printable version. […]

]]>The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. This week we find that Paul was not only concerned with personal responsibility, but also responsibility to others.

Key Bible Passage: Galatians 6:1-10

Discussion

When you think about your own faith journey, has it been more of an individual or communal pursuit? Explain.

Take a minute to reflect on people who have been influential in your own faith journey. Now share about how the one or two most influential people have impacted you.

Think back on your life and consider, have you ever had a friend or family member who was making unwise or destructive life decisions? Did you approach them or confront them about this behaviour? Explain.

Do you have friends in your life who will be honest with you, even if it’s difficult? If so, share about what this looks like in your life.

What are some ways you can move towards a more communal pursuit of faith while holding on to personal responsibility?

Moving Forward

Who is someone I can go to and invite honest feedback about my life or share a burden that I’m carrying? Or, is there someone I know and love who is struggling with an exceptional burden or destructive behaviour that I need to talk to?

]]>https://newdenver.org/2018/11/11/gift-worth-part-11/feed/08654Gift & Worth, Part 10https://newdenver.org/2018/11/04/gift-worth-part-10/
https://newdenver.org/2018/11/04/gift-worth-part-10/#respondSun, 04 Nov 2018 14:00:10 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8637The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. This week we explore Paul’s assertion that our faith in Christ has set us free and learn what we’re free from as well as what we’re free to. Discussion Questions for Gift & Worth (Galatians) Part 10 | November […]

]]>The first letter we have written to the earliest followers of Jesus has a surprising message for us. This week we explore Paul’s assertion that our faith in Christ has set us free and learn what we’re free from as well as what we’re free to.

Key Bible Passage: Galatians 5:13-26

Discussion

What are some ways you’re longing for freedom in your life right now (e.g. financially, occupationally, relationally, etc.)? My life would be so much better if I didn’t have to ____________?

What are some ways you’ve used freedom to do or say what you wanted to do at the time but later regretted it?

What are some ways that you’ve experienced the benefit of restraining your freedom and not doing or saying what you wanted in the moment?

What resistance do you feel to Paul’s idea that we will experience more joy and peace when we don’t simply do what we want but restrain our freedom in consideration of God and others? Are there ways you doubt this or question it in your own life?

What questions do you have about God’s limits as revealed in the Bible (e.g. finances, sex, alcohol, relationships, violence, etc.)?

Are there areas where you doubt that God’s limits lead to a better, more abundant life?

Moving Forward

What are the areas of your life where you’re using your freedom to follow your own desires without consideration of God or others, and what steps could you take to change that?

]]>https://newdenver.org/2018/11/04/gift-worth-part-10/feed/08637Now. Here. This. – Part 3, In Sufferinghttps://newdenver.org/2018/08/19/now-here-this-part-3-in-suffering/
https://newdenver.org/2018/08/19/now-here-this-part-3-in-suffering/#respondSun, 19 Aug 2018 14:00:14 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8477Our lives are busy, sometimes very busy. We move from one thing to the next and sometimes get to the end of a day or a week and feel like it was all just a blur. But in all our busyness are we missing important moments that we rush past every day? In this series we learn […]

]]>very busy. We move from one thing to the next and sometimes get to the end of a day or a week and feel like it was all just a blur. But in all our busyness are we missing important moments that we rush past every day? In this series we learn from Jesus – a pretty busy guy himself – how to focus and be present to the people and important moments in our everyday lives.

]]>https://newdenver.org/2018/08/19/now-here-this-part-3-in-suffering/feed/08477Now. Here. This. – Part 1, In the Fleshhttps://newdenver.org/2018/08/05/now-here-this-part-1-in-the-flesh/
https://newdenver.org/2018/08/05/now-here-this-part-1-in-the-flesh/#respondSun, 05 Aug 2018 14:00:24 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8442Our lives are busy, sometimes very busy. We move from one thing to the next and sometimes get to the end of a day or a week and feel like it was all just a blur. But in all our busyness are we missing important moments that we rush past every day? In this series we […]

]]>Our lives are busy, sometimes very busy. We move from one thing to the next and sometimes get to the end of a day or a week and feel like it was all just a blur. But in all our busyness are we missing important moments that we rush past every day? In this series we learn from Jesus – a pretty busy guy himself – how to focus and be present to the people and important moments in our everyday lives.

]]>https://newdenver.org/2018/08/05/now-here-this-part-1-in-the-flesh/feed/08442Proverbs, Part 1https://newdenver.org/2018/07/01/proverbs-part-1/
https://newdenver.org/2018/07/01/proverbs-part-1/#respondSun, 01 Jul 2018 14:00:54 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8403It’s one of the most practical books in the Bible. And it offers a question that can help us with virtually every decision in life. Join us as we will explore the book of Proverbs together.

]]>https://newdenver.org/2018/07/01/proverbs-part-1/feed/08403Money Crazy, Part 4 – Q&A with Kate Redden, CFP®https://newdenver.org/2018/04/29/money-crazy-part-4-qa-with-kate-redden-cfp/
https://newdenver.org/2018/04/29/money-crazy-part-4-qa-with-kate-redden-cfp/#respondSun, 29 Apr 2018 14:00:53 +0000https://newdenver.org/?p=8236Money. It’s a big part of our everyday life. We think about it a lot – how to get it, how to spend it, how to save it. Money can also be a big source of stress and anxiety. We live in one of the richest countries in history, but we still struggle with debt […]

]]>Money. It’s a big part of our everyday life. We think about it a lot – how to get it, how to spend it, how to save it. Money can also be a big source of stress and anxiety. We live in one of the richest countries in history, but we still struggle with debt and the feeling that regardless how much we make, it’s never quite enough. It’s crazy. Join us in April for a four-part series to discover what the bible has to teach us about money and possessions and how Jesus leads us toward a different kind of Money Crazy.